1 Corinthians 2:2
For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.
Alright, it may seem that I'm harping on a particular subject, but it needs to be addressed. Are you like Paul and focused on how you are among other believers? He DECIDED to know nothing among them except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.
He didn't care about anything else. He wanted these folks to know Christ like He did. Is your passion like that? Or do you instead like to point out where other people aren't measuring up? Do you dwell on other's actions who have hurt you and say "but they are supposed to a Christian"?
How about being like Paul? Helping others to focus on Christ and loving Him like you do. You are lacking in this area? Seek someone who can help you.
Paul's goal was simple. To know nothing but Jesus Christ and Him crucified. Do you suppose this is what helped him get through all his trials?
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
A Reason to Fear the Lord
Psalm 130:3-4
3If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities,
O Lord, who could stand?
4But with you there is forgiveness,
that you may be feared.
Many times and many ways we fear the Lord. Sometimes the fear is that He is so great and awesome that He is too much for us to comprehend. Awe is a good word for that. Sometimes the fear is that, the amount of power He holds can be scary in our perception. Sometimes we fear disappointing Him.
But in this passage we fear the Lord because He forgives our sins. Let that sink in. Have you ever considered "fear" when you think of God's forgiveness? I know I haven't, and that has probably been to my stumbling many times. What do you think of when you think of God's forgiveness? I'm not asking for an answer, but you may need to answer yourself. If "fear" is your answer, would the sins that trip you up be easier to forsake? Easier to hate those sins like God hates them?
Here is the challenge for you and for me. When you think about what Jesus did on the cross for you, and what His act means to your eternal life and your life today, fear the Almighty. Fear Him, because he forgave you of something that He absolutely detests. Fear the Lord because He forgave you.
3If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities,
O Lord, who could stand?
4But with you there is forgiveness,
that you may be feared.
Many times and many ways we fear the Lord. Sometimes the fear is that He is so great and awesome that He is too much for us to comprehend. Awe is a good word for that. Sometimes the fear is that, the amount of power He holds can be scary in our perception. Sometimes we fear disappointing Him.
But in this passage we fear the Lord because He forgives our sins. Let that sink in. Have you ever considered "fear" when you think of God's forgiveness? I know I haven't, and that has probably been to my stumbling many times. What do you think of when you think of God's forgiveness? I'm not asking for an answer, but you may need to answer yourself. If "fear" is your answer, would the sins that trip you up be easier to forsake? Easier to hate those sins like God hates them?
Here is the challenge for you and for me. When you think about what Jesus did on the cross for you, and what His act means to your eternal life and your life today, fear the Almighty. Fear Him, because he forgave you of something that He absolutely detests. Fear the Lord because He forgave you.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Got Milk?
1 Corinthians 3:1-3
1 But I, brothers, could not address you as spiritual people, but as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ. 2 I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for it. And even now you are not yet ready, 3 for you are still of the flesh. For while there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not of the flesh and behaving only in a human way?
Do you let jealousies, arguments and grudges get in the way of a deeper relationship with God?
What is more important, being right or walking with Jesus?
1 But I, brothers, could not address you as spiritual people, but as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ. 2 I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for it. And even now you are not yet ready, 3 for you are still of the flesh. For while there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not of the flesh and behaving only in a human way?
Do you let jealousies, arguments and grudges get in the way of a deeper relationship with God?
What is more important, being right or walking with Jesus?
What is More Profitable: Man's Wisdom or God's Folly?
1 Corinthians 1:18-25
18 For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written,
"I will destroy the wisdom of the wise,
and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart."
20 Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe. 22 For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, 24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
An interesting point is made here that "the Greeks seek wisdom." What is interesting is the world still seeks wisdom and Christ crucified is still seen as folly (superstition, mythology, folklore, or even religion).
But if the saving, redemptive power of Jesus dying for my sins is folly, then I'm a happy fool.
Though we are always to be prepared for an answer to our faith, we are quite unable to argue anybody into heaven. Once again, from the text we see that Christians are "those who are called." Called is the operative word. God calls, we just are witnesses to His power in our lives - we learn His word, we live His word and He shines through us.
18 For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written,
"I will destroy the wisdom of the wise,
and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart."
20 Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe. 22 For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, 24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
An interesting point is made here that "the Greeks seek wisdom." What is interesting is the world still seeks wisdom and Christ crucified is still seen as folly (superstition, mythology, folklore, or even religion).
But if the saving, redemptive power of Jesus dying for my sins is folly, then I'm a happy fool.
Though we are always to be prepared for an answer to our faith, we are quite unable to argue anybody into heaven. Once again, from the text we see that Christians are "those who are called." Called is the operative word. God calls, we just are witnesses to His power in our lives - we learn His word, we live His word and He shines through us.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Posts will resume on Monday
Hi folks,
Sorry for the lack of posts this week, I was on vacation and was only able to get one out. Though I did study, I didn't have the time needed to put it into "devotion" format. I have plenty of material, so look forward to a new devotion on Monday.
In Christ,
Pastor Greg
Sorry for the lack of posts this week, I was on vacation and was only able to get one out. Though I did study, I didn't have the time needed to put it into "devotion" format. I have plenty of material, so look forward to a new devotion on Monday.
In Christ,
Pastor Greg
Monday, July 21, 2008
Unity
1 Corinthians 1:10
I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.
Is it a desire? Truly, is it a desire? We seem to take our clues more from the world system instead of the Bible. What do I mean by that?
There are a lot of insecurities among the believers, and we have more practice using the world´s methods of dealing with them than using God´s plan of perfection. There are those who haven´t totally accepted God´s forgiveness and it´s easier to look at others´ faults which are much worse than your own. Instead of praising the Lord for being forgiven and adopted into His family, (John 1:12-13) we gossip and tear down others to feel better about ourselves.
Or it can be that we feel that we don´t belong, so we either hide from others or we try to be the center of attention. But if God has accepted us (Ephesians 1:6) can´t we just focus on others instead of ourselves? (Romans 15:1)
So, are you desiring unity or are you self seeking at the expense of unity?
I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.
Is it a desire? Truly, is it a desire? We seem to take our clues more from the world system instead of the Bible. What do I mean by that?
There are a lot of insecurities among the believers, and we have more practice using the world´s methods of dealing with them than using God´s plan of perfection. There are those who haven´t totally accepted God´s forgiveness and it´s easier to look at others´ faults which are much worse than your own. Instead of praising the Lord for being forgiven and adopted into His family, (John 1:12-13) we gossip and tear down others to feel better about ourselves.
Or it can be that we feel that we don´t belong, so we either hide from others or we try to be the center of attention. But if God has accepted us (Ephesians 1:6) can´t we just focus on others instead of ourselves? (Romans 15:1)
So, are you desiring unity or are you self seeking at the expense of unity?
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Is the Cart Before the Horse
Psalm 127:1-2 Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. 2 It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep.
Do you follow God's leading or do you just do then ask God to bless what you think is right?
Do you ever put something in God's hands but still spend excess energy in worrying or trying to make this something succeed?
Do you follow God's leading or do you just do then ask God to bless what you think is right?
Do you ever put something in God's hands but still spend excess energy in worrying or trying to make this something succeed?
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
The Lord Does See
1 Samuel 2:27-36 27 And there came a man of God to Eli and said to him, "Thus the Lord has said, 'Did I indeed reveal myself to the house of your father when they were in Egypt subject to the house of Pharaoh? 28 Did I choose him out of all the tribes of Israel to be my priest, to go up to my altar, to burn incense, to wear an ephod before me? I gave to the house of your father all my offerings by fire from the people of Israel. 29 Why then do you scorn my sacrifices and my offerings that I commanded, and honor your sons above me by fattening yourselves on the choicest parts of every offering of my people Israel?' 30 Therefore the Lord, the God of Israel, declares: 'I promised that your house and the house of your father should go in and out before me forever,' but now the Lord declares: 'Far be it from me, for those who honor me I will honor, and those who despise me shall be lightly esteemed. 31 Behold, the days are coming when I will cut off your strength and the strength of your father's house, so that there will not be an old man in your house. 32 Then in distress you will look with envious eye on all the prosperity that shall be bestowed on Israel, and there shall not be an old man in your house forever. 33 The only one of you whom I shall not cut off from my altar shall be spared to weep his eyes out to grieve his heart, and all the descendants of your house shall die by the sword of men. 34 And this that shall come upon your two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, shall be the sign to you: both of them shall die on the same day. 35 And I will raise up for myself a faithful priest, who shall do according to what is in my heart and in my mind. And I will build him a sure house, and he shall go in and out before my anointed forever. 36 And everyone who is left in your house shall come to implore him for a piece of silver or a loaf of bread and shall say, "Please put me in one of the priests' places, that I may eat a morsel of bread."'"
I believe there are two important points that can be made from this section of scripture. And though they can be directed at pastors and leaders, they still can apply to everyone.
The first is that if a pastor is in a sinful lifestyle and the people are being hurt, God will take the man out. Eli´s sons were priests, but they were extorting Israel and stealing from God. God took care of them. Sometimes we forget about that God has His best interest for His children. We forget that He is the Almighty God. We forget that He is longsuffering, even with those He has placed in leadership. (Eli´s sons had a chance to turn when their father approached them.)
Why do I bring up our forgetfulness? Because we take it upon ourselves to take care of the situation. How many pastors have been ruined over a rumor? How many have been slandered over personality differences? How many have been ousted for preaching the truth?
I´m not forgetting the other side of this, there are those who have let the world in instead of the Word and have become corrupt. From greed to power to adultery, many have fallen. How can we be protected from the leaders who have tripped up? Use the Word, not your wisdom. Rely on the Holy Spirit, not your anger. Trust in the Lord.
Instead of relying on a rumor, how about approaching that leader personally? It´s going to have one of three outcomes: 1) The rumor was false in some fashion or form and things are straightened out. 2) There was some sort of iniquity, and the leader repents (the restoration I cannot touch upon - that is beyond the scope of this blog; it is all dependant on the church, the leaders, and the extent of the sin). 3) There was some sort of iniquity and the leader hardens his heart - now the chastisement is in God´s hands.
Note: this is a very delicate subject and I can only touch upon what I have gone through. I thank my God and King that He has put together a group of leaders within my church family that hold each other accountable and don´t fear approaching each other, even on the littlest infraction - in doing so, we don´t have large issues to deal with. If I have offended anybody with the simplicity of the solution, please accept my sincerest apologies. Contact me and I will keep your church body in prayer if you are in need. Remember, the God that pulled you from the pits of despair and separation and suffering is strong enough to heal a wounded body.
Wow. I went so long on that point that I almost forgot the second. Though Eli could not control his sons´ actions, he was still held responsible for allowing them the opportunity to continue to do so. God plainly put it that Eli honoured his sons more than God.
I could go more into this, but the application is pretty obvious - how often do you allow your children to engage in sinful, or questionable, or non-profitable activities because you fear that rebuking them will put a wedge between you? Isn´t this what Eli ultimately did? He questioned them about their activity, but never followed up. He had the power to take them out of their positions. You may question a TV show your child watches, but do you take away the controller?
I believe there are two important points that can be made from this section of scripture. And though they can be directed at pastors and leaders, they still can apply to everyone.
The first is that if a pastor is in a sinful lifestyle and the people are being hurt, God will take the man out. Eli´s sons were priests, but they were extorting Israel and stealing from God. God took care of them. Sometimes we forget about that God has His best interest for His children. We forget that He is the Almighty God. We forget that He is longsuffering, even with those He has placed in leadership. (Eli´s sons had a chance to turn when their father approached them.)
Why do I bring up our forgetfulness? Because we take it upon ourselves to take care of the situation. How many pastors have been ruined over a rumor? How many have been slandered over personality differences? How many have been ousted for preaching the truth?
I´m not forgetting the other side of this, there are those who have let the world in instead of the Word and have become corrupt. From greed to power to adultery, many have fallen. How can we be protected from the leaders who have tripped up? Use the Word, not your wisdom. Rely on the Holy Spirit, not your anger. Trust in the Lord.
Instead of relying on a rumor, how about approaching that leader personally? It´s going to have one of three outcomes: 1) The rumor was false in some fashion or form and things are straightened out. 2) There was some sort of iniquity, and the leader repents (the restoration I cannot touch upon - that is beyond the scope of this blog; it is all dependant on the church, the leaders, and the extent of the sin). 3) There was some sort of iniquity and the leader hardens his heart - now the chastisement is in God´s hands.
Note: this is a very delicate subject and I can only touch upon what I have gone through. I thank my God and King that He has put together a group of leaders within my church family that hold each other accountable and don´t fear approaching each other, even on the littlest infraction - in doing so, we don´t have large issues to deal with. If I have offended anybody with the simplicity of the solution, please accept my sincerest apologies. Contact me and I will keep your church body in prayer if you are in need. Remember, the God that pulled you from the pits of despair and separation and suffering is strong enough to heal a wounded body.
Wow. I went so long on that point that I almost forgot the second. Though Eli could not control his sons´ actions, he was still held responsible for allowing them the opportunity to continue to do so. God plainly put it that Eli honoured his sons more than God.
I could go more into this, but the application is pretty obvious - how often do you allow your children to engage in sinful, or questionable, or non-profitable activities because you fear that rebuking them will put a wedge between you? Isn´t this what Eli ultimately did? He questioned them about their activity, but never followed up. He had the power to take them out of their positions. You may question a TV show your child watches, but do you take away the controller?
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Dealing with Dividers
Romans 16:17-18
17 I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. 18 For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.
I pray that you take the time to look around you today and identify those in your life and in your church that tend to cause divisions. Be careful not to judge, and if these people are brothers and sisters in Christ you still have the responsibility to help them back on their feet. (See devotional, Strengthening the Weak - July 8).
Now that you have identified them, are you avoiding them? Wait a minute, how can I avoid them and still love them? How can I avoid them and still share the Gospel?
First of all, I don´t want to get too far away from the intent of this passage - beware of those who come in calling themselves Christians but are contrary to the doctrine and unity within the church. But, there are those around us who have called upon the Lord, yet have let the world influence their beliefs, their opinions, and their actions. So the best way to avoid these people is to not take part in their activities that cause divisions and do not take part in whatever they do that is against the Bible. What am I talking about? The biggest is gossip. That causes divisions even when the intent was not to. The other big one is when Biblical authority is questioned in light of present day cultures and standards (such as thoughts on divorce, premarital sex, abortion, same-sex marriage, etc...).
So, by you not taking part in activities that cause division or go against Biblical authority you are making a statement without arguing or confrontation. But, to the brother in Christ, you have a responsibility. You need to gently restore them, rebuke them as it may be. Are you loving your brother if you are allowing them to participate in destructive activities? WARNING!!! This is not an easy task. Make sure that you don´t fall into the same trap as they have. Make sure you are not hypocritical. Make sure you are approaching in love. Make sure you are confronting on the Father´s lead and not yours. Use your Bible for the correcting, not your feelings or opinions. II Tim 3:16-17. Don´t even consider approaching this person if you are compelled because you have differences in personality or opinion. If the Lord is not in it, havoc will ensue.
Why is it so important to watch and avoid then? The answer that Paul gives is straightforward answer: they want to serve their lusts instead of serving Christ. If you are around activities and opinions that are primarily self-serving, what going to happen to you? You will start serving self instead of Christ. Be careful, many people have fallen into the trap of serving self and disguising it with ¨Christian¨ activity: ¨...we need to pray for Brother So-and-so; he was seen in a restaraunt with a woman; his poor wife must be heart-broken. Lets pray for her, too.¨ You get the picture.
17 I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. 18 For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.
I pray that you take the time to look around you today and identify those in your life and in your church that tend to cause divisions. Be careful not to judge, and if these people are brothers and sisters in Christ you still have the responsibility to help them back on their feet. (See devotional, Strengthening the Weak - July 8).
Now that you have identified them, are you avoiding them? Wait a minute, how can I avoid them and still love them? How can I avoid them and still share the Gospel?
First of all, I don´t want to get too far away from the intent of this passage - beware of those who come in calling themselves Christians but are contrary to the doctrine and unity within the church. But, there are those around us who have called upon the Lord, yet have let the world influence their beliefs, their opinions, and their actions. So the best way to avoid these people is to not take part in their activities that cause divisions and do not take part in whatever they do that is against the Bible. What am I talking about? The biggest is gossip. That causes divisions even when the intent was not to. The other big one is when Biblical authority is questioned in light of present day cultures and standards (such as thoughts on divorce, premarital sex, abortion, same-sex marriage, etc...).
So, by you not taking part in activities that cause division or go against Biblical authority you are making a statement without arguing or confrontation. But, to the brother in Christ, you have a responsibility. You need to gently restore them, rebuke them as it may be. Are you loving your brother if you are allowing them to participate in destructive activities? WARNING!!! This is not an easy task. Make sure that you don´t fall into the same trap as they have. Make sure you are not hypocritical. Make sure you are approaching in love. Make sure you are confronting on the Father´s lead and not yours. Use your Bible for the correcting, not your feelings or opinions. II Tim 3:16-17. Don´t even consider approaching this person if you are compelled because you have differences in personality or opinion. If the Lord is not in it, havoc will ensue.
Why is it so important to watch and avoid then? The answer that Paul gives is straightforward answer: they want to serve their lusts instead of serving Christ. If you are around activities and opinions that are primarily self-serving, what going to happen to you? You will start serving self instead of Christ. Be careful, many people have fallen into the trap of serving self and disguising it with ¨Christian¨ activity: ¨...we need to pray for Brother So-and-so; he was seen in a restaraunt with a woman; his poor wife must be heart-broken. Lets pray for her, too.¨ You get the picture.
Friday, July 11, 2008
Following the Lord Regardless of Our Estate
Psalm 126:5-6
5 Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy!
6 He who goes out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing,
shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him.
Do you see what is incredible in this portion of scripture? It's not necessarily the results of joy. It's the fact that the ones who came back with joy did what was required of them regardless of "how they felt." They went beyond their emotions and they obeyed the Lord.
Why does this mean so much to me? I make excuses. I have a chronic disease when not kept in check will result in wicked mood swings. So how do I combat that? I now do everything I possibly can to keep things in check. I let the Lord take care of me so I can be obedient to me. And sometimes I have to really pay attention to Him so I don't get out of line.
This last Sunday was a perfect example. My day starts at about 5 in the morning and I'm usually home by 12. This week we had a visiting pastor, so we went out for lunch (I was expecting this so I made provisions to keep things in check physically). We had a meeting that went a little longer than expected after that (uh oh, I didn't plan for that). That meeting ran right up to my next meeting (not to worry, I can text my wife to bring me something so that I can keep physical things in check). Oh no! I can't find my phone - I must have left it in the car, the car that my wife is now driving (no worries, I can slip over to the computer and still text my wife - phew).
The meeting is now done and hopefully my wife is there with the nourishment I need to get through the prayer service which starts in 5 minutes. I get down the stairs and there's my beautiful bride - I'm saved. "Did you get my message?" I ask. "My phone is dead," is the answer.
Okay, all is not lost - I'm not quite in bad shape yet, but he rumblings are there. If I slip out early and go home I can avoid the mood swings and be okay. I can't go home - we have a FEMALE babysitter at home. Egad! This doesn't look good.
Fortunately, my wife had the time to run and pick me up something during the music and I had time to take care of things and we both were able to serve the Lord that night.
All this to say is that sometimes we choose not to serve the Lord because of how we feel (sometimes it's legitimate - mostly we are copping-out). But we go ahead and obey, even in the midst of emotional turmoil, we are more likely to return with joy - true joy in the Lord, because we died to self and put Him first in our lives.
5 Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy!
6 He who goes out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing,
shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him.
Do you see what is incredible in this portion of scripture? It's not necessarily the results of joy. It's the fact that the ones who came back with joy did what was required of them regardless of "how they felt." They went beyond their emotions and they obeyed the Lord.
Why does this mean so much to me? I make excuses. I have a chronic disease when not kept in check will result in wicked mood swings. So how do I combat that? I now do everything I possibly can to keep things in check. I let the Lord take care of me so I can be obedient to me. And sometimes I have to really pay attention to Him so I don't get out of line.
This last Sunday was a perfect example. My day starts at about 5 in the morning and I'm usually home by 12. This week we had a visiting pastor, so we went out for lunch (I was expecting this so I made provisions to keep things in check physically). We had a meeting that went a little longer than expected after that (uh oh, I didn't plan for that). That meeting ran right up to my next meeting (not to worry, I can text my wife to bring me something so that I can keep physical things in check). Oh no! I can't find my phone - I must have left it in the car, the car that my wife is now driving (no worries, I can slip over to the computer and still text my wife - phew).
The meeting is now done and hopefully my wife is there with the nourishment I need to get through the prayer service which starts in 5 minutes. I get down the stairs and there's my beautiful bride - I'm saved. "Did you get my message?" I ask. "My phone is dead," is the answer.
Okay, all is not lost - I'm not quite in bad shape yet, but he rumblings are there. If I slip out early and go home I can avoid the mood swings and be okay. I can't go home - we have a FEMALE babysitter at home. Egad! This doesn't look good.
Fortunately, my wife had the time to run and pick me up something during the music and I had time to take care of things and we both were able to serve the Lord that night.
All this to say is that sometimes we choose not to serve the Lord because of how we feel (sometimes it's legitimate - mostly we are copping-out). But we go ahead and obey, even in the midst of emotional turmoil, we are more likely to return with joy - true joy in the Lord, because we died to self and put Him first in our lives.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
My Rock and Salvation / The Right Source
My Rock and Salvation
Psalm 18:1-3
1 I love you, O Lord, my strength. 2 The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. 3 I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies.
More and more I desire for this to be my attitude. I just want to say that the Lord is my rock and my salvation.
The Right Source
Matthew 21:18-19
18 In the morning, as he was returning to the city, he became hungry. 19 And seeing a fig tree by the wayside, he went to it and found nothing on it but only leaves. And he said to it, “May no fruit ever come from you again!” And the fig tree withered at once.
It's funny that this particular illustration involves a fig tree. Where was the fig tree first mentioned in the Bible? Well, it wasn't actually the tree, but the leaves. Adam and Eve used fig tree leaves to cover their nakedness due to their sin. We know these coverings were insufficient, because the Lord provided animal skins for coverings for Adam and Eve.
I guess this passage reminds me that Jesus is the only way that our sins can be covered. Everything we do to clean ourselves up is insufficient. And like the fig tree that Jesus cursed, those efforts are fruitless and will just wither away. Thanks be to God for Jesus Christ and the work He did in His life and on the cross and now in our lives.
Psalm 18:1-3
1 I love you, O Lord, my strength. 2 The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. 3 I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies.
More and more I desire for this to be my attitude. I just want to say that the Lord is my rock and my salvation.
The Right Source
Matthew 21:18-19
18 In the morning, as he was returning to the city, he became hungry. 19 And seeing a fig tree by the wayside, he went to it and found nothing on it but only leaves. And he said to it, “May no fruit ever come from you again!” And the fig tree withered at once.
It's funny that this particular illustration involves a fig tree. Where was the fig tree first mentioned in the Bible? Well, it wasn't actually the tree, but the leaves. Adam and Eve used fig tree leaves to cover their nakedness due to their sin. We know these coverings were insufficient, because the Lord provided animal skins for coverings for Adam and Eve.
I guess this passage reminds me that Jesus is the only way that our sins can be covered. Everything we do to clean ourselves up is insufficient. And like the fig tree that Jesus cursed, those efforts are fruitless and will just wither away. Thanks be to God for Jesus Christ and the work He did in His life and on the cross and now in our lives.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
The Proper Love
Matthew 20:1-16
1 “For the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. 2 After agreeing with the laborers for a denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard. 3 And going out about the third hour he saw others standing idle in the marketplace, 4 and to them he said, ‘You go into the vineyard too, and whatever is right I will give you.’ 5 So they went. Going out again about the sixth hour and the ninth hour, he did the same. 6 And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing. And he said to them, ‘Why do you stand here idle all day?’ 7 They said to him, ‘Because no one has hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You go into the vineyard too.’ 8 And when evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Call the laborers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last, up to the first.’ 9 And when those hired about the eleventh hour came, each of them received a denarius. 10 Now when those hired first came, they thought they would receive more, but each of them also received a denarius. 11 And on receiving it they grumbled at the master of the house, 12 saying, ‘These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.’ 13 But he replied to one of them, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius? 14 Take what belongs to you and go. I choose to give to this last worker as I give to you. 15 Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or do you begrudge my generosity?’ 16 So the last will be first, and the first last.”
Many times we see this passage talking about folks that accepted Jesus late in life as opposed to those that have spent a good bit of their lives following the Lord. So, it comes down that the ones following the Lord for the longer time don't find it fair because the "newer" Christians got to enjoy life longer before they had to submit to rules and regulations.
There is a flaw in that thinking though - it’s as though the thought is that the world has more to offer for the here and now than Jesus does. It also takes grace out of the picture. Plain and simple, if an "older" Christian is envious of a "new" Christian who was able to spend his life in debauchery, the "older" Christian pretty much has a love of the world and has let that love of the world hinder the fulfillment of the love of Christ.
1 John 2:15-17
15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world. 17 And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.
Don't get blinded by what the world system tells us what is desirable and fun, but look to the Lord for your fulfillment and joy.
1 “For the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. 2 After agreeing with the laborers for a denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard. 3 And going out about the third hour he saw others standing idle in the marketplace, 4 and to them he said, ‘You go into the vineyard too, and whatever is right I will give you.’ 5 So they went. Going out again about the sixth hour and the ninth hour, he did the same. 6 And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing. And he said to them, ‘Why do you stand here idle all day?’ 7 They said to him, ‘Because no one has hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You go into the vineyard too.’ 8 And when evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Call the laborers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last, up to the first.’ 9 And when those hired about the eleventh hour came, each of them received a denarius. 10 Now when those hired first came, they thought they would receive more, but each of them also received a denarius. 11 And on receiving it they grumbled at the master of the house, 12 saying, ‘These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.’ 13 But he replied to one of them, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius? 14 Take what belongs to you and go. I choose to give to this last worker as I give to you. 15 Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or do you begrudge my generosity?’ 16 So the last will be first, and the first last.”
Many times we see this passage talking about folks that accepted Jesus late in life as opposed to those that have spent a good bit of their lives following the Lord. So, it comes down that the ones following the Lord for the longer time don't find it fair because the "newer" Christians got to enjoy life longer before they had to submit to rules and regulations.
There is a flaw in that thinking though - it’s as though the thought is that the world has more to offer for the here and now than Jesus does. It also takes grace out of the picture. Plain and simple, if an "older" Christian is envious of a "new" Christian who was able to spend his life in debauchery, the "older" Christian pretty much has a love of the world and has let that love of the world hinder the fulfillment of the love of Christ.
1 John 2:15-17
15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world. 17 And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.
Don't get blinded by what the world system tells us what is desirable and fun, but look to the Lord for your fulfillment and joy.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Strengthening the Weak
Romans 15:1-2
We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.
We touched on this a couple of days ago, so lets go in a little deeper. There are two things we are tempted to do when we encounter another Christian who has stumbled: 1) To criticize and judge; 2) To gloat or take joy in their failings. Have you been someone who succumbed to temptation and joined one of these camps? I have and thus I put myself in the same situation as my stumbling brother - maybe not the same in human eyes, but to God, I have sinned just the same.
The answer to this dilemma was given in verse 2, we are to build up, strengthen, our brother for his good. What does the Lord do? Ps 37:23-24. You need to look that up to answer the question. So if we follow the Lord's example, what do we do? Eccl. 4:9-10.
Decide today, the next time you see another Christian stumbling, will you destroy them (please yourself) or will you build them up?
We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.
We touched on this a couple of days ago, so lets go in a little deeper. There are two things we are tempted to do when we encounter another Christian who has stumbled: 1) To criticize and judge; 2) To gloat or take joy in their failings. Have you been someone who succumbed to temptation and joined one of these camps? I have and thus I put myself in the same situation as my stumbling brother - maybe not the same in human eyes, but to God, I have sinned just the same.
The answer to this dilemma was given in verse 2, we are to build up, strengthen, our brother for his good. What does the Lord do? Ps 37:23-24. You need to look that up to answer the question. So if we follow the Lord's example, what do we do? Eccl. 4:9-10.
Decide today, the next time you see another Christian stumbling, will you destroy them (please yourself) or will you build them up?
Monday, July 7, 2008
True Knowledge and Wisdom
Psalm 119:97-104
97 Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day.
David states how important God's word is to him, that he has his mind on it all through the day. I usually don't start a devotional with a challenge but today I will. Your challenge is to bring up God's word during different situations of the day. An example would be last Wednesday we had to have our oven repaired and the cost was $116. When I called my wife to give her the amount to write in the check register, she giggled. She said that earlier that morning when she was balancing our accounts she found an error of $117 to our favor. And now I think of Philippians 4:19 - But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Here's the trick though - you need to commit to scripture memory. Over the last year I've committed to learning scripture in 17 different areas of doctrine, plus scripture that relates to personal areas of improvement in my life. I will be truthful that I've only reached about 70% of my goal. I am hoping to have the doctrinal scripture memorized by the end of this summer.
Once you have some memorized you can start applying it for comfort, strength, and praise. To think about it more and more. To even address prayer while memorizing. Psalm 119:18 I pray after every time I recite in the morning before I open up my Bible: "Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law."
Taking on a challenge like this will have its results:
98 Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies, for it is ever with me.
99 I have more understanding than all my teachers, for your testimonies are my meditation.
100 I understand more than the aged, for I keep your precepts.
You increase in wisdom and understanding. First of all you become wiser than those who don't follow the Lord - because you have committed to putting the Living Word in your heart. You have more understanding than those who have taught you and those that have been around for a long time - because you are gleaning from the understanding of He who created Heaven and Earth and all who dwell in it.
101 I hold back my feet from every evil way, in order to keep your word.
102 I do not turn aside from your rules, for you have taught me.
You are more apt not to go against the Lord. Ps 119:11; Ps 66:18.
103 How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!
104 Through your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way.
You start to desire the Word even more because it is just plain good. Your start to realize more and more how the world system tries to steal that love and desire away from you.
So are up to the challenge? Don't know where to start? Email me at pgregb@gmail.com or comment to this blog and I will start you off with 3 verses in a certain doctrine and give you instructions on how to memorize. May the Lord bless you in this endeavor.
97 Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day.
David states how important God's word is to him, that he has his mind on it all through the day. I usually don't start a devotional with a challenge but today I will. Your challenge is to bring up God's word during different situations of the day. An example would be last Wednesday we had to have our oven repaired and the cost was $116. When I called my wife to give her the amount to write in the check register, she giggled. She said that earlier that morning when she was balancing our accounts she found an error of $117 to our favor. And now I think of Philippians 4:19 - But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Here's the trick though - you need to commit to scripture memory. Over the last year I've committed to learning scripture in 17 different areas of doctrine, plus scripture that relates to personal areas of improvement in my life. I will be truthful that I've only reached about 70% of my goal. I am hoping to have the doctrinal scripture memorized by the end of this summer.
Once you have some memorized you can start applying it for comfort, strength, and praise. To think about it more and more. To even address prayer while memorizing. Psalm 119:18 I pray after every time I recite in the morning before I open up my Bible: "Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law."
Taking on a challenge like this will have its results:
98 Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies, for it is ever with me.
99 I have more understanding than all my teachers, for your testimonies are my meditation.
100 I understand more than the aged, for I keep your precepts.
You increase in wisdom and understanding. First of all you become wiser than those who don't follow the Lord - because you have committed to putting the Living Word in your heart. You have more understanding than those who have taught you and those that have been around for a long time - because you are gleaning from the understanding of He who created Heaven and Earth and all who dwell in it.
101 I hold back my feet from every evil way, in order to keep your word.
102 I do not turn aside from your rules, for you have taught me.
You are more apt not to go against the Lord. Ps 119:11; Ps 66:18.
103 How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!
104 Through your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way.
You start to desire the Word even more because it is just plain good. Your start to realize more and more how the world system tries to steal that love and desire away from you.
So are up to the challenge? Don't know where to start? Email me at pgregb@gmail.com or comment to this blog and I will start you off with 3 verses in a certain doctrine and give you instructions on how to memorize. May the Lord bless you in this endeavor.
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Is Your Opinion Worth Fighting For?
Romans 14:1-4; 20-23
As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions. 2 One person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables. 3 Let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains, and let not the one who abstains pass judgment on the one who eats, for God has welcomed him. 4 Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand.
20 Do not, for the sake of food, destroy the work of God. Everything is indeed clean, but it is wrong for anyone to make another stumble by what he eats. 21 It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that causes your brother to stumble. 22 The faith that you have, keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who has no reason to pass judgment on himself for what he approves. 23 But whoever has doubts is condemned if he eats, because the eating is not from faith. For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin.
I bring this scripture up because it is apparent that passing judgment on others based on opinion is rampant in the church (how could such a virus exist in the Body of Christ?) We have one standard to judge, and that's the Bible (2 Tim 3:16-17). And even the Bible as our guide we need to be checking ourselves first (Mt. 7:3-5); and afterwards we need to be restoring and not judging (Romans 15:1-2; we'll go over this more in depth in a couple of days).
Do you remember the debt that you owe to others in Christ? That's right - love. How do we show love for the brothers if we are quarreling over opinions?
As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions. 2 One person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables. 3 Let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains, and let not the one who abstains pass judgment on the one who eats, for God has welcomed him. 4 Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand.
20 Do not, for the sake of food, destroy the work of God. Everything is indeed clean, but it is wrong for anyone to make another stumble by what he eats. 21 It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that causes your brother to stumble. 22 The faith that you have, keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who has no reason to pass judgment on himself for what he approves. 23 But whoever has doubts is condemned if he eats, because the eating is not from faith. For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin.
I bring this scripture up because it is apparent that passing judgment on others based on opinion is rampant in the church (how could such a virus exist in the Body of Christ?) We have one standard to judge, and that's the Bible (2 Tim 3:16-17). And even the Bible as our guide we need to be checking ourselves first (Mt. 7:3-5); and afterwards we need to be restoring and not judging (Romans 15:1-2; we'll go over this more in depth in a couple of days).
Do you remember the debt that you owe to others in Christ? That's right - love. How do we show love for the brothers if we are quarreling over opinions?
Friday, July 4, 2008
Living for Eternity
Romans 13:11-14
11 Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed. 12 The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13 Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy. 14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.
I believe this is a wonderful way for us to view our lives today. This is definitely not for the procrastinator. Actually, when concerning our walk with the Lord, it tells us to stop procrastinating and to put away that which does not belong to the Lord.
Don't be confused about "salvation is nearer...", this is to believers. The same verse ends with "...when we first believed." That being said, we realize that the time Paul is talking about is when Jesus is coming to take us home (Heaven - Eternity).
We have free will - we have a choice - to go after this dying world and the lusts therein or to live like we were living for eternity (Put on the armor of light / to live as if everything is out in the open to everyone - walk in the daylight). He tells us finally to put on Christ and don't even give this world a chance to get a foothold.
How do you put on Christ? You rely on Him. Your salvation was totally dependent on His Faith, His Mercy, His Grace and His Act. Wouldn't it make sense that your walk with Him is totally dependent on His Faith, His Mercy, His Grace and His Act? (Mt. 11:28-30)
11 Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed. 12 The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13 Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy. 14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.
I believe this is a wonderful way for us to view our lives today. This is definitely not for the procrastinator. Actually, when concerning our walk with the Lord, it tells us to stop procrastinating and to put away that which does not belong to the Lord.
Don't be confused about "salvation is nearer...", this is to believers. The same verse ends with "...when we first believed." That being said, we realize that the time Paul is talking about is when Jesus is coming to take us home (Heaven - Eternity).
We have free will - we have a choice - to go after this dying world and the lusts therein or to live like we were living for eternity (Put on the armor of light / to live as if everything is out in the open to everyone - walk in the daylight). He tells us finally to put on Christ and don't even give this world a chance to get a foothold.
How do you put on Christ? You rely on Him. Your salvation was totally dependent on His Faith, His Mercy, His Grace and His Act. Wouldn't it make sense that your walk with Him is totally dependent on His Faith, His Mercy, His Grace and His Act? (Mt. 11:28-30)
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Love Your Neighbor
Romans 13:8-10
8 Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. 9 For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet,” and any other commandment, are summed up in this word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 10 Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law."
I would like to approach today's devotional by taking the last verse first and finishing up with the first verse.
We first see that LOVE fulfills the law. Jesus taught this in Matthew 22:37-40, where all the law and prophets hang on loving God and loving others.
We also see that love does no wrong to a neighbor. This seems like an obvious statement. But we find that this is not always true among the saints. Often times there is backbiting, gossip and indifference to others among Christians. If we are backbiting, gossiping, complaining or just plain ignoring our brothers in Christ we are not only flat out disobeying Christ (John 13:34-35) we are showing our true FRUIT (Gal. 5:22-23; Matt. 7:15-20).
Finally (or firstly - depending on how you look at it) we are told not to owe anybody anything except love. We are to have no debt to others except to love them. I see this as a debt that can never be paid - we are to love the brothers every day. Jesus Christ freed us from the debt of sin to replace it with a debt of love.
Your challenge is to think of the Christians around you who you are indifferent towards or just don't like ("I love them but don't like them" is a cop-out so don't use it) and make a list. Lift them up in prayer; pray that God gives you a genuine love for them; and pray for opportunity to show this love in actions.
8 Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. 9 For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet,” and any other commandment, are summed up in this word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 10 Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law."
I would like to approach today's devotional by taking the last verse first and finishing up with the first verse.
We first see that LOVE fulfills the law. Jesus taught this in Matthew 22:37-40, where all the law and prophets hang on loving God and loving others.
We also see that love does no wrong to a neighbor. This seems like an obvious statement. But we find that this is not always true among the saints. Often times there is backbiting, gossip and indifference to others among Christians. If we are backbiting, gossiping, complaining or just plain ignoring our brothers in Christ we are not only flat out disobeying Christ (John 13:34-35) we are showing our true FRUIT (Gal. 5:22-23; Matt. 7:15-20).
Finally (or firstly - depending on how you look at it) we are told not to owe anybody anything except love. We are to have no debt to others except to love them. I see this as a debt that can never be paid - we are to love the brothers every day. Jesus Christ freed us from the debt of sin to replace it with a debt of love.
Your challenge is to think of the Christians around you who you are indifferent towards or just don't like ("I love them but don't like them" is a cop-out so don't use it) and make a list. Lift them up in prayer; pray that God gives you a genuine love for them; and pray for opportunity to show this love in actions.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Obeying the Land's Law
Romans 13:1-2
Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment.
I find this portion of the Word particularly convicting. The reason why I find this convicting is that I don't follow every law of the land to the letter. This should not be too surprising as the Old Testament shows us that we can't even follow God's law.
I'm going to bring up the most common example for most of us and that is obeying the speed limit - there may be others, but in my opinion this is one that gets many Christians. I believe that being subject to government authorities includes obeying the laws made by those authorities. The only exception would be when the government's law interferes with God's law (Acts 5:29). BUT, if I say I believe it and don't act it, I'm a hypocrite. If I'm following Christ, I need to be without hypocrisy (James 3:17). So, when I drive 5 miles an hour over the speed limit, I am basically going against scripture.
Now, I know we try to justify our actions on the road. "I need to keep up with the flow of traffic." If you break this law because everyone else does do you do the same with God's law? "The speed limit is not enforced here." Do you have the same attitude towards sin? ("I got away with it so I guess it's okay"). "Nobody uses this road so I'm not putting anyone in danger." Once again do you use this with God? ("I'm not hurting anybody, so it's okay").
See devotional Monday, June 9, 2008 - Driving Out the World - Judges 1 If we let the world influence our behavior towards the government can't it be said that we let the world influence our behavior towards God? God instituted government, so we need to be consistent with our obedience to the laws and our obedience to God. We are to be different: a peculiar people (1 Peter 2:9).
Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment.
I find this portion of the Word particularly convicting. The reason why I find this convicting is that I don't follow every law of the land to the letter. This should not be too surprising as the Old Testament shows us that we can't even follow God's law.
I'm going to bring up the most common example for most of us and that is obeying the speed limit - there may be others, but in my opinion this is one that gets many Christians. I believe that being subject to government authorities includes obeying the laws made by those authorities. The only exception would be when the government's law interferes with God's law (Acts 5:29). BUT, if I say I believe it and don't act it, I'm a hypocrite. If I'm following Christ, I need to be without hypocrisy (James 3:17). So, when I drive 5 miles an hour over the speed limit, I am basically going against scripture.
Now, I know we try to justify our actions on the road. "I need to keep up with the flow of traffic." If you break this law because everyone else does do you do the same with God's law? "The speed limit is not enforced here." Do you have the same attitude towards sin? ("I got away with it so I guess it's okay"). "Nobody uses this road so I'm not putting anyone in danger." Once again do you use this with God? ("I'm not hurting anybody, so it's okay").
See devotional Monday, June 9, 2008 - Driving Out the World - Judges 1 If we let the world influence our behavior towards the government can't it be said that we let the world influence our behavior towards God? God instituted government, so we need to be consistent with our obedience to the laws and our obedience to God. We are to be different: a peculiar people (1 Peter 2:9).
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Dealing with Advesaries
Romans 12:21
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Are you familiar with these two sayings: "Don't get mad, get even" and "Fight fire with fire"? How often do you try to take care of an "adversary" using means just as evil as his?
Such as, you've got someone tailgating you so you slow down. Someone slanders you so you cut down their character to someone else. What is God's stance on this? This scripture says to overcome them with good.
That's not always easy - it's quite against our nature; it's really different. As a follower of Christ, you are supposed to be different. (Exo. 19:5; Deut. 14:2, 26:18-19; Titus 2:14; 1Pet. 2:9). Acting differently as the world acts is our first witness of Christ (Matt. 5:14-16; Jn 13:34-35).
The Lord wants to take of you, so don't worry about "getting even." (Deut. 32:35; Ps. 94:1; Isa. 35:4; Rom. 12:19).
Yesterday's devotional now really comes into play - our goal is to do everything on our part to live peacefully with all men. (Rom 12:18).
Don't take vengeance on others (Rom 12:17). Let God take care of the vengeance (Rom 12:19). Romans 12:20 even goes as far as providing for your enemy with physical needs wherever he lacks.
I've ended up covering Romans 12:17-21; that's okay because it's a great lesson. Don't worry about getting even, worry about doing good. By doing good, you are displaying Christ in your actions.
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Are you familiar with these two sayings: "Don't get mad, get even" and "Fight fire with fire"? How often do you try to take care of an "adversary" using means just as evil as his?
Such as, you've got someone tailgating you so you slow down. Someone slanders you so you cut down their character to someone else. What is God's stance on this? This scripture says to overcome them with good.
That's not always easy - it's quite against our nature; it's really different. As a follower of Christ, you are supposed to be different. (Exo. 19:5; Deut. 14:2, 26:18-19; Titus 2:14; 1Pet. 2:9). Acting differently as the world acts is our first witness of Christ (Matt. 5:14-16; Jn 13:34-35).
The Lord wants to take of you, so don't worry about "getting even." (Deut. 32:35; Ps. 94:1; Isa. 35:4; Rom. 12:19).
Yesterday's devotional now really comes into play - our goal is to do everything on our part to live peacefully with all men. (Rom 12:18).
Don't take vengeance on others (Rom 12:17). Let God take care of the vengeance (Rom 12:19). Romans 12:20 even goes as far as providing for your enemy with physical needs wherever he lacks.
I've ended up covering Romans 12:17-21; that's okay because it's a great lesson. Don't worry about getting even, worry about doing good. By doing good, you are displaying Christ in your actions.
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